White v. Dunbar, 119 U.S. 47 (1886)

U.S. Supreme Court

White v. Dunbar, 119 U.S. 47 (1886)

The claim of the inventor in letters patent must be construed according to its terms, and when its import is plain, resort cannot be had to the context for the purpose of enlarging it.

A reissue which materially enlarges the claim in the original letters patent, and which was made five years after their issue, is held to be invalid.

This was a bill in equity to restrain infringement of letters patent. The case is stated in the opinion of the Court.

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